Generating a Regional STEM Talent Pipeline
Foundation Mission:
“To prepare and encourage Central Virginia students in K-12 and beyond to seek careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and to provide a pipeline for a technically and scientifically proficient workforce.”
Providing Access
Building the Jobs of the Future
Supporting Innovative Teaching
"To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science."
-Albert Einstein
Our Foundation Officers
The Future Focus Foundation was established as a non-profit corporation with the Commonwealth of Virginia on August 4, 2009. The founders gathered business leaders and educators across Central Virginia’s Region 2000 “To prepare and encourage Central Virginia students in K-12 and beyond to seek careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and to provide a pipeline for a technically and scientifically proficient workforce.” As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, grants and projects are funded by regional, state, and national partners. Current officers have extensive work and passion for STEM fields.
President
Cheryl Lindeman
Cheryl Lindeman, the president, served as Partnership Coordinator & Instructor at Central Virginia Governor’s School, teacher educator at Randolph College, and is currently a STEM consultant with Smithsonian Science in the classroom.
Vice President
Cheryl Giggetts
Cheryl Giggetts, Principal Consultant at CTA Consultants LLC, is very involved with Innovate Lynchburg and STEM business connections.
Secretary
Lani Patrick
Lani Patrick, Instructional Specialist for Science K-12 with Campbell County Public Schools is a leader in Virginia science education and our region.
Treasurer
Susan Cash
Susan Cash serves as Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy and is connected with the state-of-the-art technologies associated with CVCC’s STEM laboratories.
Our Foundation Directors
In October 2022 we welcomed three new board members who bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and interest in STEM education.
Director
Susan Saxon
Susan Saxon represents AMTI Advanced Manufacturing “committed to empowering our community through education.”
Director
Allison Kappler
Allison Kappler is currently the Supervisor of Science and Computer Science with Bedford County Public Schools. She is also a facilitator and curriculum writer with CodeVA.
Director
Gage McAngus
Gage McAngus served as a public school teacher and administrator for 13 years and brings valuable education experience to his role as Programs Director at Camp Kum-Ba-Yah in Lynchburg, VA.
Director || Media Coordinator
Hannah Tillotson
Hannah Tillotson is the STEM Center Director at Jubilee Family Development Center. She has been involved with 4-H as a camper and educator and serves as a Conservation Educator for the local Soil and Water Conservation District.
Director
Pam Reed
Pam Reed is mechanical and nuclear engineer at Framatome. She is currently the president of Framatome's chapter of Women in Nuclear and has served in a leadership capacity with the chapter since 2018, focused on advocacy, education and outreach.
Director
Josh Chamot
Josh Chamot is a science communicator with over 20 years at the National Science Foundation, where he supported research in fields from quantum computing to cancer treatment. Most recently NSF’s Media Officer for AI, he brings expertise in public outreach, media strategy, and STEM advocacy to his work with the Future Focus Foundation.